Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Many think that in order to get invited to parties, events or weddings need to wear expensive clothes, to be surrounded by the rich and the famous and have an upgraded rolodex. In my recent book Get Invited, Don't Crash it, I interviewed numerous party goers and socialites but also those who don't go out so often. My results:

1.You don’t need to be from a high society background or rich to ‘get invited’.

Parties are open to everybody. It doesn’t matter if you come from a small town or a big metropolis, you are a native speaker or if you have just relocated abroad. Event organizers need human beings to attend and invite people from all walks of life. So don’t worry about your background or your friends. Make sure to learn the tricks to be on the list, the rest is unnecessary information.

2.Being sociable is not a prerequisite. Just be willing to be on the list and go out

There is a lot said about personality and how it affects our daily life. Being an open person or having an extroverted personality usually guarantees a number of invites in your mail box. But this is not panacea. Many others, with the unsociable etiquette on their shoulder, are also invited. I personally don’t believe in unsociable people. What I think though is that being sociable is something you can learn. Nobody was born a natural networker, party-goer or socialite but we all became one. Initially, willing to be invited is enough. Then the less socially adaptable, will have to work on their skills.

3.You certainly don’t need to work in PR to ‘get invited’

People from all backgrounds are getting invited to special events and occasions every single day. Certainly, if you are a public relations specialist, a diplomat, an event or wedding planner, you will attend more parties and events or social gatherings than the average person. But this doesn’t mean that all others don’t go out. Party organizers need every single human being to fill their space so if you are a hairdresser, a teacher or a dancer, you are welcome to attend as well.